Nvidia's nForce 780i SLI chipset
The Tech Report takes a look at Nvidia's nForce 780i SLI chipset

If you want to combine one of Intel's swanky new 45nm processors with an SLI multi-GPU graphics configuration, there's a problem. You see, while nForce 600-series chipsets are compatible with Intel's latest Penryn-based CPUs, current motherboard implementations are not. The incompatibility runs deeper than what can be addressed with a simple BIOS update, as well—a board-level circuit change is required.

Motherboard makers could respin their nForce 600-series designs with the necessary changes, but the nForce 600 series is more than a year old now, so it's due for a refresh anyway. That refresh comes in the form of the nForce 700 series, led by the flagship nForce 780i SLI.

In many ways, the nForce 700 series is identical to the 600 series that preceded it. However, Nvidia has added a few new wrinkles to the equation, including support for second-generation PCI Express, three-way SLI configurations, and its proposed Enthusiast System Architecture. There's a new reference motherboard design for the nForce 780i SLI, too—one that will work with Intel's upcoming 45nm processors.

So what's actually new in this nForce 700 series and the 780i reference board design? More importantly, is this refresh enough to keep the nForce 780i SLI competitive with Intel's recently released X38 Express chipset? Keep reading to find out.

Nvidia's nForce 780i SLI chipset

First Look at Nvidia's nForce 780i SLI
bit-tech published a first look at Nvidia's nForce 780i SLI chipset

We were prepared to be underwhelmed by the nForce 780i SLI, but in all honesty we're actually impressed that it isn't simply an NF200 taped onto an nForce 680i SLI board – the nForce 780i SLI reference design looks far better than before and internally things have been re-jigged for the better. The BIOS has been improved a bit too and the new nTune looks frikkin awesome, on the proviso that it actually arrives at some point!

Overall, the nForce 780i SLI isn't a new chipset launch so much but rather a nip-tuck and facelift to the nForce 680i SLI, giving it a new lease of youthfulness to an ageing chipset. Thankfully this time around we should see some variety between the reference boards and custom versions from our favourite motherboard vendors, without having to pay through the nose for them. Although, having said that, as much as I want the new Asus Striker Extreme II, I also expect it to be significantly more expensive than the competition.

In comparison to the nForce 780i SLI, Nvidia hasn't really bothered to try with the nForce 750i SLI. The core technology is so far over the hill, it might as well make its goodbyes to the family before taking it outback to be put down. The whole "no Intel 45nm CPUs on 6-series chipsets" is a problem of convenience to Nvidia, where otherwise there would be absolutely no reason to buy an nForce 750i SLI over a current 650i SLI (that likely has a very mature BIOS after a year in the market).

It has no EPP, no ESA and, from what we understand, there's no System Monitor support either. As far as we know, it's not even been respun using a smaller manufacturing node in order to make it cooler and smaller, therefore making it cheaper for all parties involved. Throwing on an NF200 is a cheap trick to make it look new while only actually making it another chip (which motherboard manufacturers have to cool) for just a one to two percent performance increase, according to Nvidia itself.

It looks like the nForce 780i SLI is likely to become a hit for Nvidia, but the nForce 750i SLI is shaping up to be a boring miss.

First Look at Nvidia's nForce 780i SLI



Hiper Type R Mk II 880W Power Supply Review
PC Perspective posted a review on the Hiper Type R Mk II 880W Power Supply

But beauty is more than just skin deep. The Hiper 880W PSU delivers excellent voltage regulation and the overall efficiency is very good. Under normal operating conditions (below 600W load) the Hiper 880W is very quiet. The PSU comes fitted with a good assortment of hard-wired cables and connectors that can support dual, high-end video cards. And let's not forget 8 USB 2.0 ports and one USB-style mobile device charging port for added connectivity.

Hiper Type R Mk II 880W Power Supply Review

Ultra X3 800 Watt Modular Review
OCC has published a new review of the Ultra X3 800 Watt Modular

The Ultra X3 800 watt modular power supply did very well in my book.
The voltages never fluctuated much at all, which was surprising considering the demand that was placed upon the power supply. So many power-hungry components of mine were fed adequately and still had plenty of leftovers. That's what I like to see from a power supply. This definitely tells me that I have plenty of room to keep adding components and upgrading my system down the road, without having to get a new power supply.

Ultra X3 800 Watt Modular Review

OCZ Freeze Thermal Compound Review
Mikhailtech posted a review on the OCZ Freeze Thermal Compound

With the advent of quiet computing for the use of computers all around the house, including use as HTPCs, in the kitchen, bedroom, and even for laptops, the pressure is on to make computers quieter and less distracting in terms of noise. A good thermal interface material is essential to move heat away from processor cores efficiently.

OCZ Freeze Thermal Compound Review

Samsung BD-P1400 Blu-Ray Player Review
Hardware Secrets posted a review on the Samsung BD-P1400 Blu-Ray Player

It seems that the time for hi-def player has definitely arrived. Discs can be easily found for buying at any Wal-mart and you can easily rent the latest releases on any Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. And the greatest news is that this month Blu-Ray players have finally dropped below the $300 mark, with players from Samsung (BD-P1400, the one we are going to cover in this review) and from Sony (BDP-S300) costing $299.99 at any Best Buy. In this short review you will see why we don't recommend this model from Samsung.

Samsung BD-P1400 Blu-Ray Player Review

A-DATA Nobility & Classic PD17, PD18 & PD19 USB Flash Drives Review
Madshrimps posted a review on the A-DATA Nobility & Classic PD17, PD18 & PD19 USB Flash Drives

There are many storage devices for PC nowadays. The most popular would still have to be the USB flash drive. A-DATA, a well known company in system memory is introducing several mini USB flash drives making them even easier to carry.

A-DATA Nobility & Classic PD17, PD18 & PD19 USB Flash Drives Review

V-MODA Vibe In Ear Headphones Review
techPowerUp posted a review on the V-MODA Vibe In Ear Headphones

V-MODA's Vibe in-ear-monitors are for the style conscious earphone buyer. Their all aluminum body and fashionable woven cable makes them stand out from the crowd. But can they even begin to compete with more performance minded in-ear-monitors.

V-MODA Vibe In Ear Headphones Review

Thermalright MST-9775 LE Intel Heatsink Review
FrostyTech posted Thermalright MST-9775 LE Intel Heatsink Review

The Thermalright MST-9775 LE is an Intel Core 2 Duo socket 775 heatsink designed with motherboards whose MOSFET cooling solutions are a little too bulky and too close the processor socket. It circumvents obvious problems of clearance by elevating the bulk of the cooling fins 45mm above the base. With its use, MOSFET heatsinks and other electrical components will have the freedom to breath.

Thermalright MST-9775 LE Intel Heatsink Review

Rosewill USB eSATA HDD Enclosure Review
OCIA.net has posted their review of the Rosewill USB eSATA HDD Enclosure.

For those of you familiar with shopping at New Egg you've undoubtedly heard of Rosewill. There are literally hundreds of products sold through the Egg under the Rosewill brand and compared to pricing on some of the name brand products, the Rosewill gear is usually quite inexpensive. But do these house brands have the same quality as traditional 3rd party manufacturers?

Rosewill USB eSATA HDD Enclosure Review

Vizo Ninja II Sumo Notebook Cooler Review
techPowerUp posted a review on the Vizo Ninja II Sumo Notebook Cooler

The Vizo Ninja II, lovingly called Sumo because of the large size, is intended for 15" to 17" notebooks. The two cooling fans are powered by a USB port of the portable computer. This cable also features an USB 2.0 port itself, so you will not waste one of these precious connection on your laptop.

Vizo Ninja II Sumo Notebook Cooler Review

Rosewill RX81US-HT-35A-BLK Hard Drive Enclosure Review
TechwareLabs has published a review of the Rosewill RX81US-HT-35A-BLK Hard Drive Enclosure.

If you are looking for a good external Hard Drive enclosure then be aware that all are not created equal. Engineering and components inside the enclosure can enhance or hinder the transfer speed regardless of the hard drive within. We test out the Rosewill External Hard Drive enclosure that boasts eSATA and USB connectivity for its speed as well as additional factors and bring you the results. Is the Rosewill a great bargain at its low price, read our review to find out.

Rosewill RX81US-HT-35A-BLK Hard Drive Enclosure Review

PC Doctor Service Center 6 review
OCC has published a new review of the PC Doctor Service Center 6

The first Item I tested was the the PCI post card. After powering down the system I inserted it into an open PCI slot. After booting the computer up the PCI post card came alive and started running the post routine. All of the LED's were lit indicating I had the correct power sources connected to the motherboard and a successful post sequence.

PC Doctor Service Center 6 review

Hiper HPU-4M880 & HPU-4M630 Type M PSU's Review
Benchmark Reviews takes a look at the Hiper HPU-4M880 & HPU-4M630 Type M PSU's

Next generation platforms and high performance graphics cards are essential to modern gamers and hardware enthusiasts, just as much as the new software designed to use them. Hiper has been providing performance systems with stable power for quite some time, and with a new focus on efficiency they can offer a penny-wise solution for everyone. Their latest Type M power supply series delivers 630W in the HPU-4M630 model and 880W in the HPU-4M880. The entire Type M series is built to provide excellent performance and efficient power to demanding GPU teams and quad-core systems while being stable and long-lasting to accommodate the needs of bleeding-edge technology for years to come.

Hiper HPU-4M880 & HPU-4M630 Type M PSU's Review

Thermaltake Extreme Spirit II Chipset Cooler Review
ThinkComputers.org posted a review on the Thermaltake Extreme Spirit II Chipset Cooler

Personally, I feel that the only time you should ever have to worry about Northbridge temperature is while overclocking. I've never had a big problem with NB temps while overclocking, but I'm not really into the extreme stuff. Even with the passive heatpipe cooling, you really should have additional active cooling, such as a fan blowing directly on the radiators, if you are pushing your system to its limits. What we need is an active NB heatpipe cooler that can do the job silently, efficiently, and with a fan that will last. The guys at Thermaltake have taken care of this problem with their new NB cooler, the Extreme Spirit II, an actively cooled heatpipe cooler for your Northbridge. Let's see if it will give me some peace of mind in the NB department.

Thermaltake Extreme Spirit II Chipset Cooler Review

ASUS Xonar U1 External USB Audio Station Review
Futurelooks posted ASUS Xonar U1 External USB Audio Station Review

It seems like audio has taken a backseat in the computer world, especially when it comes to laptop audio. Asus has decided to do something about that this year with new desktop solutions and a new laptop solution called the Xonar U1. All I can say is, thank you! But is it time to celebrate, or do we have a new doorstop? Let's find out!

ASUS Xonar U1 External USB Audio Station Review

bit-tech's Top 10 Games of 2007
bit-tech published a feature which covers their Top 10 Games of the Year

Whether you look at //The Orange Box as one game, three games or five games -- whether you're a newcomer to the series who wants to play it in his living room on a console or a hardened fan who wants the PC experience, there's still no faulting //The Orange Box. If nothing else there's still just an enormous feeling of //value.

//Half-Life 2: Episode 2 is perhaps the most perfect and appreciable of the //Half-Life experience yet. The meaty part of the story, //Episode 2 picks up directly after //Episode 1 and sees Alyx Vance and Gordon Freeman desperately trying to make it to White Forest Base to deliver a message of the utmost importance to the resistance.

The story is brilliantly told and the pace is kept fast so that players are constantly moving, barging through obstacles and knocking foes and trials aside. There is no pause, no relief save those shared between characters at pivotal moments of the plot.

bit-tech's Top 10 Games of 2007

Ultra ULT40064 X3 1000 Watt Power Supply Review
Bjorn3D takes a look at the Ultra ULT40064 X3 1000 Watt Power Supply.

Over the last year or so the 'Bigger is Better' philosophy has permeated the development plans of almost every power supply manufacturer. This mentality is due in no small part to the significant increases in power demands of today's high-end equipment. The enthusiast that doesn't have a minimum of 850 Watts of pulse-pounding power is considered by his/her peers to be sorely lacking! In fact, with almost every system problem described on the majority of computer forums one of the first solutions to be offered is 'get a larger power supply'. Have we made our point? In any case our consensus at Bjorn3D is that that a quality, properly sized power supply (notice we did not say huge) is the single most important element in assuring the functionality of your system as well as future-proofing it.

Today we are indeed fortunate to have the opportunity to review Ultra Product's ULT40064 X3 1000 Watt power supply. It is our goal to use our real world testing methodologies coupled with a high-end test system to determine if this product will stand up to the extreme rigors that enthusiasts tend to enjoy. Please join us in this endeavor.

Ultra ULT40064 X3 1000 Watt Power Supply Review

NZXT Rogue Small Form Factor Gaming Chassis Review
Bigbruin.com has posted a review on the NZXT Rogue Small Form Factor Gaming Chassis

The NZXT Rogue Small Form Factor Gaming Chassis puts an interesting twist on the concept of a small form factor design. The stylish Aluminum chassis is well made, and includes a variety of interesting features such as a removable motherboard tray, a custom carrying strap for greater mobility, and excellent cooling potential thanks to five 120mm fan mounts.

NZXT Rogue Small Form Factor Gaming Chassis Review

Razer Lycosa Review
XSReviews has reviewed the Razer Lycosa gamer keyboard

Gamers love Razer and Razer love gamers. As a result, they've taken it upon themselves to create some of the best gaming peripherals around including the Boomslang and Deathadder. They've made a gamer keyboard before called the Tarantula and several more in cahoots with other manufactures although these weren't destined for the gamers desk.

Today I have the Lycosa which is a cut-down version of the Tarantula with light up keys and a more petite size. Let's see if Razer can keep gamers happy with this next keyboard incarnation.

Razer Lycosa Review

Boogie Bug AIMB Pad Mousepads Review
Driver Heaven posted a review on the Boogie Bug AIMB Pad Mousepads

While a casual PC user doesn't really need a mouse pad anymore, hardcore PC users and gamers generally prefer them. While mice do work without a pad, gamers long for higher precision and the added comfort a high quality mouse pad brings. Today we will take a look at two quality mouse pads from Boogie Bug, a French company who design and manufacture gaming and modding accessories. They are both made of high quality textile material.

Boogie Bug AIMB Pad Mousepads Review

Razer Lachesis 3G Gaming Mouse Review
OCC has published a new review of the Razer Lachesis 3G Gaming Mouse

The Lachesis is an ambidextrous mouse. This means that it can be used either left or right handed and has the same exact button set up on each
side. The Lachesis has a total of nine buttons for any number of options during gaming or any other use. There are two thumb buttons on the left side and two thumb buttons on the right side.

Razer Lachesis 3G Gaming Mouse Review